Orrick announced today the addition of Nicole Lopez, a preeminent authority on youth online safety policy and litigation, as a partner in San Francisco. Nicole joins the firm from Meta Platforms, where she served as Global Director of Youth Safety Policy and leader of Global Youth Litigation Strategy.
As a member of Orrick’s Public Policy and Online Safety teams, Nicole will focus on helping clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of child protection. Her practice will concentrate on four strategic areas:
-
Regulatory Compliance: Advising on state, federal, and international laws.
-
Policy Advocacy: Developing innovative and pro-competitive regulations.
-
Government Inquiries: Representing clients before state attorneys general and federal administrations.
-
High-Stakes Litigation: Developing defense strategies for claims and appeals.
During her tenure at Meta, Nicole led the subject matter expert team that shaped youth product strategy, including the launch of Teen Accounts and VR experiences for younger users. Her background also includes eight years as a California prosecutor, where she led over 50 jury and bench trials involving child exploitation and abuse.
“We are facing a watershed moment,” said Jeremy Kudon, leader of Orrick’s State Legislative practice. “Twenty-five state legislatures are actively considering youth online safety legislation. Online safety is top of mind for innovators, government, teens, and parents, and Nicole has long been leading this conversation with each of these constituencies.”
Nicole’s hire reinforces Orrick’s commitment to the tech sector, particularly as AI accelerates changes in content moderation and product design. Her expertise bridges the gap between technical innovation and regulatory expectations.
“There’s simply no better platform from which to help companies navigate this online safety landscape,” said Nicole Lopez. “We have all of the tools in the toolkit – data, technology, AI, and open dialogue with policymakers – to help a broad range of clients achieve outcomes that protect both innovators and kids.”
Source: www.orrick.com
